§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings will be made from the withdrawal of the Sea Harrier force from service. [49760]
§ Mr. IngramI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 28 February 2002,Official Report, columns 1451–52W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Dr. Palmer). The withdrawal of the Sea Harrier force from service is one part of the new investment strategy for Joint Force harrier. The upgrade of the Harrier GR force will see the enhancement of our expeditionary offensive air capability, in particular from the Royal 822W Navy's aircraft carriers. This is a capability driven initiative and provides for a smooth transition to the Future Joint Combat Aircraft. Savings will occur in not having to provide for modifications to address obsolescence, in streamlined training and basing and personnel efficiencies. Full advantage of this has been taken in construction of the forward programme.